My Ex Girlfriend Fired Me—I Bought Her Company

Three days after getting terminated, I still walked into the companys conference room.

My ex?girlfriend, Skyler, looked me over with open contempt.

Carter, given your current situation, you dont even belong in this room.

She paused, her tone turning patronizing, almost generous.

Hand over your client portfolio and transition everything properly for Dax.

Maybe then Ill let you stayscrubbing toilets.

After ten years by her side, this was how it ended.

Mopping floors in the company I helped build.

I didnt move.

The door opened, and her assistant stepped inside, stopping beside me.

Let me introduce everyone,

This is our new CEO.

When Skyler, my ex?girlfriend and former CEO, gleefully told me that her earlier attempt to win me back was just a joke, I didnt get angry.

I just pulled out my phone to call a cab home.

The colleagues around us stared with mocking eyes, sneering:

Carter, the CEO said she doesnt want you around. Why are you still here? Go on, book another flight!

Didnt you say you got an offer overseas? What happenedthey changed their mind about you?

Skyler watched them cold?shoulder me with indulgence, making no move to stop them.

This kind of suffocating, humiliating workplace bullying had surrounded me for years.

In the past, I wouldve fought back, hurt that my CEO girlfriend wouldnt speak up for me.

Now, I felt nothinglike watching clowns perform.

My business isnt your concern, is it? I said calmly.

Skyler snorted, her eyes sweeping over me with disgust:

Still acting tough at a time like this?

With your limited skills, if I hadnt carried you all these years, you might not even have food on the table!

Going abroad? What a joke.

Yes, I was a top?tier graduate whod turned down a dream offer to help her build a company from scratch. But in Skylers eyes, I was worthlesssomeone whod only survived because of her.

It almost made me laugh.

Id loved Skyler completely. Even staying in a mid?level role forever wouldnt have bothered me.

But then she started reassigning my projects to her new assistant, Dax, without consulting me.

She even pinned Daxs mistakes on me, forcing me to take the fall.

Then she used that as an excuse to cut my pay and suspend me, while promoting Dax and giving him a raise.

Thats when I finally woke up. This one?sided relationship had to end.

So I quit on the spot, broke up with her, and decided to pursue my career abroad.

I never expected her to show up just before my flight to play this joke on me.

For a moment, I didnt feel sadnessjust bewilderment.

How blind had I been, falling for someone like her?

I shook my head, not bothering to argue:

Youre right about everything. Can I go now?

I stepped around Skyler, ready to leave.

But she grabbed my arm, staring me down with disdain:

Youre really committed to the act, arent you? Your overseas offer is exposed, and youre still pretending?

For old times sake, Ill give you an out.

Come back with me, and Ill make you Daxs assistant.

Seeing her condescending act, I finally understood the real point of her joke.

On the surface, it was a bet with Dax to see if Id take the bait.

Really, she just wanted to keep me at the company as a workhorse for her and Dax.

I had to admit, Skyler had planned Daxs career carefullypromotion, raise, even an assistant.

As for me, Id helped her achieve her dream of running a company, and shed taken everything from me to pave Daxs way.

I laughed coldly. Dax isnt skilled enough to deserve my help.

Skylers face darkened.

Carter, it seems Ive been too soft on you all these years. Thats why youre so full of yourself

Before she could finish, a figure approached from across the terminal.

Skyler!

Her expression instantly softened. Dax!

Dax was the only one in the whole company who didnt call her CEOhe used her first name.

Even I, her actual boyfriend, never had that privilege.

Dax glanced at me and smiled at Skyler.

See? I knew Carters overseas move was just an excuse. He never actually left.

Skyler shot me a sidelong glare, her eyes full of contempt.

Some people overestimate their importancethink the company cant run without them!

Not like you, Dax. Youre capable and humble. Since he wont take the offer, lets drop it.

Lets go.

But Dax held Skylers hand, putting on a pitiful look.

Skyler, wait. Ever since Carter quit, I havent been able to find my watch.

It was my grandmothers heirloom.

Then he turned to me, pleading:

Carter, please give it back to me.

Before I could process what was happening, Skyler glared at me furiously.

Carter, you stole something?

I started to deny it, but she cut me off coldly.

Dont even try. Why would Dax make this up?

Youre jobless nowwho knows what youre capable of?

Then she ordered the others:

Open his suitcase and check!

I stared at Skyler in disbelief.

After ten years together, she knew my character better than anyone.

But on Daxs word alone, she would publicly rummage through my luggage?

Earlier, with her cruel joke, I hadnt wanted to engage.

But now, this bullying crossed a line.

Not disappointment. Not heartache.

Just anger and disgust.

Stop!

I shouted, but Dax pretended to be sincere.

Carter, why so defensive? You didnt actually take it, did you?

That made Skyler look at me with even more disgust. She signaled two people to block me as she said coldly:

Ignore him. Keep searching.

Watching my suitcase being dumped, my clothes and belongings scattered on the floor, my anger peaked.

I yelled for airport security.

Only then did they sheepishly back off.

Its not here, Dax said, sounding disappointed. Forget it. Lets not make things harder for Carter. Hes having a tough enough time.

But Skyler shot me a fierce look. I think someone already sold it.

Then she said gently to Dax:

Its fine. Ill buy you a new one.

As she left, she threw me a cold glance.

Carter, when youre living on the streets, dont come begging to me.

With that, she left with the group, Dax shooting me a look over his shoulder.

I said nothing, just laughed coldly inside.

They didnt know yetthe companys projects had imploded. It was about to go bankrupt and be acquired.

And Id turned down the overseas trip because the new parent company had appointed me as the incoming CEO.

My new company was headquartered overseasa well?known enterprise.

Back at graduation, Id received an offer from them thanks to my record.

But Skyler talked me into staying to build a startup with her, so Id turned it down.

After the breakup, theyd reached out immediately, inviting me to join.

But just before boarding, I got a call: their domestic subsidiary was acquiring local firms to consolidate resources, including Skylers company.

They wanted me to be the new CEO.

After dropping my luggage at home, I set a meeting with Mr. Quinn, the domestic liaison.

I arrived early at the restaurant to wait.

But unexpectedly, I saw Skyler and Dax there, laughing over lunch. When they noticed me,

Skyler froze for a second.

She walked over with an irritated look.

Carter, are you stalking me now?

Werent you all tough earlier? Having regrets already?

Before I could speak, Dax smiled and said:

Skyler, there were a lot of people at the airport. Carter was just saving face.

Tell you whatif Carter apologizes sincerely, Im sure Skyler would still give you a chance.

Right, Skyler?

Skyler looked at me with disapproval, pretending reluctance.

Since Dax is sticking up for you, fine. Finish this bottle of wine, and Ill let you be an assistant.

She pointed to a full wine bottle on the table.

I laughed inwardly.

Skyler knew perfectly well I had stomach issues and couldnt drink. She was just making me beg.

But shed miscalculated.

Youre overthinking it. Im waiting for someone.

Waiting for someone? Hah, youre really committed to the act.

Skyler sneered. Ive known you for years. I know your little games.

You just think being Daxs assistant is beneath you, dont you?

But these days, whats pride worth?

Just then, Mr. Quinn, the person I was meeting, walked over.

He offered his hand.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Evans.

I ignored Skyler and shook his hand with a smile.

Mr. Quinn, lets talk inside. Theres a bit of noise out here.

Of course.

Skyler stared in disbelief.

As I turned to enter the private room with Mr. Quinn, I heard Dax say loudly:

Looks like Carter scheduled a meeting with a headhunter. Still job?hunting, huh?

The next moment, Skyler stepped in front of me.

She smirked.

Carter, youve really grown a spine, huh? Youd rather scrape for jobs than ask me for help?

But let me remind yougiven your track record, Ive already talked to every firm in town. No one will hire you.

Starting to regret it now?

She looked at me with a half?smile, waiting for me to fold.

But she was wrong.

Skylers influence wasnt enough to threaten me.

And because of my departure, shed let Dax take over all major projects, pushing the company to the brink of collapse.

She had no idea.

I said calmly:

Skyler, confidence is good. I hope you keep that attitude when your company goes bankrupt and gets acquired.

You!

Skyler was about to snap, but instead she turned to Mr. Quinn.

She shoved a business card into his hand.

Arrogantly, she said:

Skyler Vance, CEO of McAsh Group. Carter is a former employee of minefired for misconduct.

Id advise your firm to be careful.

With that, she glanced at me, linked arms with Dax, and strode off.

Mr. Quinn frowned at the card, then looked at me. This

Just clowns. Lets talk inside.

I smiled slightly.

Mr. Quinn tossed the card into a trash can.

Inside, we discussed acquiring Skylers company.

Wed capitalize on McAsh Groups project failures and buy it at a low price.

Mr. Quinn handed me the current staff list, asking me to help optimize it.

I knew everyones capabilities and conduct intimately, and promised a plan soon.

After the meeting, I headed home.

But as soon as I stepped inside, I saw Skyler on my couch.

Crossing her legs, she glared coldly.

I frowned.

What are you doing here?

I glanced at the door.

Then I remembered I hadnt deleted her fingerprint after the breakup.

Skyler didnt answer, just said coldly: Who told you my company was going bankrupt?

I was changing my shoes and ignored her.

Skylers face darkened further.

You got your wish. The company collapsed.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised Mr. Quinn had moved so fast.

Mentioned at noon, done by afternoon.

Skyler went on:

Carter, I dont know how you got that tip?off.

But dont celebrate too soon.

The firm acquiring us is a major player. Theyll handle the project issues.

Ill still be in management.

I made myself tea, unsurprised.

Of course I knew.

My optimization list wasnt final yet, so existing staff were temporarily retained.

And? I asked flatly.

Skyler stared intently.

Hand over your client portfolio to Dax, and Ill arrange a manager role for you in the new company.

You know with the parent companys backing, McAsh will be stronger than ever.

A manager title is a generous offer.

I almost laughed.

She said it so righteously, as if granting me a favor.

But I knew the truth: after the acquisition, Mr. Quinn had circulated the development plan Id drafted.

One key point: roles would be based on merit under my leadership.

Skyler just wanted to use my contacts to boost Dax into a VP role.

Her love for Dax ran deep.

Too bad shed backed the wrong horse.

Skyler, youre naive.

My words darkened her face. She stood and stepped toward me.

Her gaze was piercing.

Carter, I know youre jealous of Dax.

Youre upset I changed, that I treat him so well.

But get thisour statuses are different now. Im the boss. The capitalist.

And you? You work for me. A boyfriend like you hasnt been on my level for a long time.

But Dax he brings me freshness. The joy of being a woman. You cant compare.

Skyler looked at me deeply, her voice oddly soft.

Ill give you one night to decide.

With that, she turned and left.

I shook my head, annoyed.

I deleted her fingerprint immediately, then opened my laptop and sent the layoff list for the next day.

The following morning, I started at the company officially.

As I entered, colleagues were buzzing about the acquisition.

Skyler was painting a rosy picture as usual.

Saying shed remain in management, and if everyone worked hard, things would stay the same.

Until someone noticed me. Her eyes lit up.

She walked over, sounding like shed expected me.

Changed your mind? Ready to hand over the client list to Dax?

I laughed and shook my head.

Skylers face fell. Before she could speak, Dax smiled and said:

Carter, why the act?

If you werent handing over the contacts, why come?

Dont tell me youre here to work.

The other colleagues chuckled.

I raised an eyebrow. Actually, I am here to work.

That drew louder laughs, fingers pointing.

Work? Hes probably job?hunting, thinks he can sneak in after the acquisition!

Dream on.

Carter, what about that overseas offer? Applying here now? Hilarious!

I was about to reply when Skyler cut in, her expression dark.

Carter, when will you drop the act!

I told yougive Dax the contacts, and I was giving you a chance. Still being stubborn?

Didnt you hear me yesterday? Do you really want to stay unemployed?

I shook my head, almost pitying her.

Skyler, youre the one about to be unemployed. You should plan ahead.

Skyler looked at me and burst into mocking laughter.

Listen to him! Has he lost it? Telling me to plan ahead?

What, Im the former CEO. You think you can fire me?

Carter, I bet that with me here, you wont even get a janitor role

Just then, two people entered through the main doors.

It was the team Mr. Quinn from headquarters had sent to help me restructure.

Skyler recognized them. Her expression shifted, and she forced a smile as she approached.

Mr. Higgins, youre here. Has the new CEO arrived? I should greet him.

Mr. Higgins glanced at her, said nothing, walked straight to me, and gave a respectful nod.

Then he announced to everyone:

This is our new CEO, Mr. Evans!

For a moment, Skylers smile froze. She asked, strained:

Mr. Higgins, youre joking, right?

This Carter is a washed?up nobody. How could he

Suddenly, Mr. Higgins pulled out the layoff list Id drafted the day before and thrust it toward her.

Pointing at her and Dax, he said coldly:

Youre both terminated. Pack your things and leave. Now.